Module-less cross connect assembly

ABSTRACT

A telecommunication assembly having a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of modules therein. The telecommunication assembly couples to a telecommunication network and includes a plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards secured therein for each coupling to one of the plurality of modules. Each of the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards includes a bounding edge, a back side partially encompassed by the bounding edge, a plurality of first connectors coupled to the back side for receiving a telecommunication signal from the telecommunication network, a front side coupled to the back side, and a second connector mounted on the front side and spaced apart from the at least one jack for coupling to one of the plurality of modules. The telecommunication assembly is operable with one or more of the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards removed from the assembly and the assembly allows for two pieces of telecommunications equipment to be connected without a module being installed in the assembly. In addition, a “make before break” circuit is provided between each backplane and coupling module.

Related References

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/282,344 titled “Telecommunication Assembly,”filed Mar. 31, 1999 and that claims priority of Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/100,845 filed Sep. 18, 1998, and entitled “DigitalSignal Cross Connect Panel Assembly and System.”

Field of the Invention

In general, the present invention relates to assemblies, and, inparticular, the present invention relates to a telecommunicationassembly that performs a telecommunication cross connect functionwithout any cross connect module installed in the telecommunicationassembly. Further included in the present invention is a “make beforebreak” circuit connection that exists between the circuit board of eachbackplane and the card edge connector of each individual DSX module.

BACKGROUND

A digital signal cross connect (DSX) module is a passivetelecommunication module that is disposed between, and couples togethertwo active sections of telecommunication network equipment. DSX modulesfunction as test access points allowing users to monitor or reroutetelecommunication signals running through the network equipment. Onlyoccasionally does the need arise to test or reroute these signals.

Current telecommunication assemblies include a PCB backplane withpermanently mounted connectors on the back, which serves as a back wallfor each assembly, and removable jack modules that connect to thebackplane. A major disadvantage with these assemblies is that if onecircuit on the PCB backplane becomes inoperable, the entire PCBbackplane must be removed and replaced. This replacement makes theentire assembly inoperable for a given amount of time. Moreover, it isvery costly to replace the entire backplane when only one of itshundreds of circuits goes “bad.” In addition, many assemblies cannotfunction without every jack module installed in the assembly because thesingle backplane is not closed circuited. Further, the singular PCBbackplane prevents jacks mounted thereon from easily coupling to thenetwork equipment because they do not protrude outward in stair-stepfashion without costly modifications to the connectors themselves.

In addition, the assemblies do not have DSX module guides, which alsoact as structural supports, thereby resulting in fragile assemblies.Self-closing doors are also not provided in current DSX assemblies toprotect the interior of the assemblies when a particular DSX module isabsent from a slot. Current designs have a removable plate that screwsor snaps into position when the DSX module is removed. This is verycumbersome and time consuming to operate.

What's more, telecommunication assemblies of the present fail to providea means for cross-connecting two different pieces of telecommunicationequipment such as a multiplexor and a router when a module is notinstalled in the assembly. This failure is due to the cross connect inan out ports being contained within the module instead of the backplane.This lack of cross-connecting functionality adds costs and complexity topresent telecommunication assemblies.

Further lacking in present telecommunication assemblies is a “makebefore break” circuit connection that exists between the backplane,which may be a printed circuit board, and the card edge connector ofeach individual cross connect module.

SUMMARY

A telecommunication assembly is provided that has a plurality of slotsfor receiving a plurality of modules therein. The telecommunicationassembly couples to a telecommunication network and includes a pluralityof distinct backplane circuit boards secured therein for each couplingto one of the plurality of modules.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention is utilizing a printedcircuit board as the backplane, the invention is not limited thereto,but instead is more generally a backplane or module. For example,instead of a circuit board, the backplane may be a coaxial connection orany other type of make before you break module or arrangement.

Each of the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards include abounding edge and a back side partially encompassed by the boundingedge. A plurality of first connectors are coupled to the back side forreceiving a telecommunication signal from the telecommunication network,a front side is coupled to the back side, and a second connector ismounted on the front side and spaced apart from the at least one jackfor coupling to one of the plurality of modules.

The telecommunication assembly is operable with one or more of theplurality of distinct backplane circuit boards removed from theassembly. What's more, the back side of each of the plurality ofdistinct backplane circuit boards is stepped, staggering at least one ofthe plurality of first connectors for easy access. The plurality offirst connectors are coupled to the back side and are mounted to thebounding edge of the each of the plurality of distinct backplane circuitboards.

A pair of guide ridges are attached to the telecommunication assemblyfor guiding the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards wheninstalled in, and removed from, the telecommunication assembly. At leastone notch is formed in the bounding edge of each of the plurality ofdistinct backplane circuit boards. A plurality of tines are coupled tothe telecommunication assembly with at least one of the plurality oftines partially extending into one of the notches on the backplanecircuit boards.

A plurality of stops are disposed on the telecommunication assemblyagainst which the bounding edge of each of the plurality of distinctbackplane circuit boards abuts. A plurality of guide walls are disposedin the assembly for defining the plurality of slots, serving to guideeach of the plurality of modules into the telecommunication assembly,and providing structural support to the telecommunication assembly.

At least one projection or strip is disposed on each of the guide wallsfor aiding in guiding each of the plurality of modules into thetelecommunication assembly. Each of the modules includes a flangemounted thereon for gripping by an operator. An aperture is disposed inthe assembly for receiving a tab mounted on one of the modules uponinsertion of each of the plurality of modules into one of the pluralityof slots. Moreover, each of the plurality of distinct backplane circuitboards are secured in parallel with one of the plurality of modules wheninserted into one of the slots.

Another feature of this invention is that the backplanes or modules,which are shown in the preferred embodiment to be circuit boards, arecomplete and operational without the front modules being inserted oroperationally connected to the corresponding backplane.

Still another feature of this invention is the operational connectionbetween the front module (item 100 in the Figures) and the backplane isa make before you break connection, meaning that the operationalconnection between the two is made before the circuit is broken orinterrupted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a digital cross connect assembly,a module, and a backplane circuit board therefor of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a digital cross connect assembly, amodule, and a backplane circuit board therefor of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a guide wall of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the module inserted into the backplanecircuit board of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the module of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a card edge being inserted into a cardedge connector of the backplane circuit board of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a leaf spring member of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the backplane circuit board of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the backplane circuit board of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a circuit schematic of the backplane circuit board of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of two guide ridges of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a spring hinge for a slot door of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the backplane circuit board coupledbetween a first and a second piece of network equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will now be discussed in the following detailed descriptionand appended claims, which are to be considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which identical reference characters designatelike elements throughout the views. Shown in FIG. 1 is atelecommunication assembly 10, which is preferably a Digital SignalCross Connect (DSX) assembly primarily constructed of metal, which has afirst plate 12, a second plate 14, and two side walls 16 coupled betweenthe first plate 12 and the second plate 14. Extending in perpendicularfashion from each of the side walls 16 is a retention bracket 18, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2, that has at least one attachment aperture 26disposed therein for securing the telecommunication assembly 10 to aframe.

Shown in FIGS. 1,4, and 5, is a telecommunication module 100, such as aDigital Signal Cross Connect (DSX) module, which is releasably securedwithin a panel for allowing communication between a piece oftelecommunications equipment and a telecommunications network, such as atelephone network. The DSX module is described in further detail in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/277,235, which is entitled“Telecommunication Jack Module Having Edge Mounted Jack and SwitchTherefor” and that is wholly incorporated herein by reference.Preferably, the present module 100 receives a DS-3 signal, which is at afrequency rate on the order of 44.736 megabits per second, but could bea lower frequency signal such as DS-1 on the order of 1.544 megabits persecond or higher frequency signal such as a DS-4 on the order of 274.176megabits per second. The module 100 includes a hard plastic casing 102,preferably constructed of a thermo-plastic, to protect the contents ofthe module 100.

The module 100 has at least one jack such as a BNC for receiving a plugtherein, but preferably has a plurality of WECO jacks including a firstmonitor jack 104, an output jack 106, an input jack 108, and a secondmonitor jack 110. The first monitor jack 104 and the second monitor jack110 provide for the taking of samples of a signal from thetelecommunications network and the output jack 106 and input jack 108are for receiving the signal from, and inputting a signal to, thetelecommunications network, respectively. When patching or monitoring isrequired to telecommunication network equipment, at least one DSX module100 is slid into a slot 28 of the panel assembly where it aligns with anindividual PCB, which is connected to the network equipment, resultingin the DSX module 100 intruding or intercepting a telecommunicationsignal running through the network equipment.

While BNC jacks are referred to herein, the reference is by way ofexample only and any one of a number of currently known or to bedeveloped jacks may be utilized within the contemplation of thisinvention, with no one in particular being necessary to practice thisinvention.

It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatwhile four jacks are shown in the preferred embodiment, this inventionis not limited to four jacks, but instead may include others of aplurality, such as six jacks, for example. In a six-jack configuration,for example, additional jacks for cross-connect in and cross-connect outmay be added to the module.

As is best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a plurality of module guide walls 20simultaneously direct the DSX module 100 upon insertion into theassembly and provide structural support for the assembly 10. The presentDSX module 100 is fully enclosed in the plastic casing 102, which alsoprovides the surface to guide the DSX module 100 into one of the slots28 in the assembly 10. To aid in module insertion, one or moreprojections 24, such as those shown in FIG. 3, or one or more horizontalstrips 22 are disposed on each of the guide walls 20, as shown in FIG.1, for aiding in guiding each of the plurality of modules 100 into theslots 28 of the telecommunication assembly 10. Moreover, the projections24 and strips 22 are preferably pressed or stamped into the guide walls20 and extended outward from the guide walls 20 a distance equal to thewidth of the hinges for the doors, as will be discussed below, such thatthe modules 100 have no interference when slid into a slot 28. The guidewalls 20 are preferably constructed of metal, such as stainless steel ortin.

Each of the modules 100 includes a grip 114 mounted thereon for grippingby an operator, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. Spaced apart from thegrip 114 is a flange 118, which is also gripped by the operator, and anintegrally formed tab 120. As shown in FIG. 4, a retention aperture 112is disposed in the assembly for receiving the tab 120 upon insertion ofeach of the plurality of modules 100 into one of the plurality of slots28. To remove the module 100 from the telecommunication assembly 10, thegrip 114 and flange 118 are squeezed toward one another therebyslidingly removing the tab 120 from the aperture disposed in thetelecommunication assembly 10 as the module 100 is biased. The grip 114,flange 118, and tab 120 are constructed of a hard plastic, which is alsopreferably a thermoplastic similar to the casing 102 of the module 100.A spring arrangement is created on the module 100 because the flange 118and integrally formed tab 120 extend outward from the casing 102 of themodule 100.

Each slot 28 in the assembly 10 has a self closing swing door 36, asshown in FIG. 1, which covers the front of the slot when a DSX module100 is not installed in a particular slot, thereby preventingenvironmental elements such as dirt from entering therein. The doors 36have spring hinges 90, as shown in FIG. 12, for returning the doors 36back to their normally closed positions. When a DSX module 100 isinserted into a slot 28, the associated door 36 is held open by abuttingthe module 100 thereby allowing an operator to visually see that amodule 100 is inserted into a particular slot 28. One side of each door36 has an integrally formed rod 36 a, which tapers at the top andbottom. Each of such tapered portions is inserted through one of thespring hinges 90. An extension 92 protrudes from the top and bottom ofeach spring hinge 90. The top extension is coupled to the assembly,while the bottom extension is biased against the swiveable door 36. Aspring force tension is created between the spring hinge 90 and thedoors 36 upon insertion of a module 100 therein. This tension isrelieved when the module 100 is removed from the slot 28.

The telecommunication assembly 10 couples to a telecommunication networkand includes a plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards 80 securedtherein for each coupling to one of the plurality of modules 100. As isbest seen in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of distinct backplane circuitboards 80 include a bounding edge 94 and a back side 96 partiallyencompassed by the bounding edge 94. A plurality of first connectors,which are preferably BNC jacks 84 but could be any telecommunicationadapter designed to attach to a circuit board such as a card edgeconnector 82, WECO jack, or wire-wrap, are coupled to the back side 96of the circuit board for receiving a telecommunication signal from thetelecommunication network. The BNC jacks 84 may be such as thosemanufactured by the Amphenol Company, having a URL athttp://www.Amphenol.com or those manufactured by the Molex Company, orequivalent.

A front side 98 is integrally formed with the back side 96, and a secondconnector is mounted on the front side 98 and spaced apart from the atleast one jack 84 for coupling to one of the plurality of modules 100.The second connector, which is preferably a normally closed, card edgeconnector 82 but could also be a plurality of BNC jacks 84, WECO jacks,or wire-wraps, is mounted on the PCB, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8, and 9.The card edge connector 82 receives a card edge 88 therein havingelectrical contacts on only one side of the edge 88. During normaloperation the telecommunication signal loops through the normallyclosed, card edge connector 82 with negligible loss such that it can bemonitored from either the first monitor jack 104 or the second monitorjack 110.

Referring with particularity to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, the presentinvention further provides a “make before break” feature wherein theconnection or coupling of the card edge 88 of the module 100 to the cardedge connector 82 is physically made before the operation of thenormally closed circuit of the backplane circuit board 80 is broken. Asstated above, the circuit of each of the backplane circuit boards 80such that the X-OUT port has continuity with the OUT port and the X-INport has continuity with the IN port, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 13. Oncethe card edge 88 is physically and electrically coupled to the card edgeconnector 82 which whereby will allow the module 100 and the networkequipment 140 to be coupled to the particular backplane circuit board tobe monitored via the module 100.

The signal from the IN port of network equipment 140 is terminated tothe IN port of the backplane circuit board, the signal is transferred tothe edge connector 82 via the PCB 80. The edge connector 82 providesshorting terminals that pass the signal through the edge connector 82when there is no module inserted within. The signal is transferred backto the X-IN port of the backplane circuit board via PCB 80 and finallyto the OUT port of the first piece of equipment 130. In addition, thesignal from the OUT port of network equipment 140 is terminated to theOUT port of the backplane circuit board, the signal is transferred tothe edge connector 82 via the PCB 80. The edge connector 82 providesshorting terminals that pass the signal through the edge connector 82when there is no module inserted within. The signal is transferred backto the X-OUT port of the backplane circuit board via PCB 80 and finallyto the IN port of the first piece of equipment 130.

It is important that the physical connection of the card edge 88 andcard edge connector 82 be fully completed before the normally closedcircuit is broken so that an electrical signal existing thereon is notinadvertently shorted to ground or that the circuit is prevented frombeing open circuited. To accomplish the physical seating of the cardedge 88 into the card edge connector 82 before the circuit of thecircuit board 80 is broken, a gap 150 exists from the end of the cardedge 88 to where the one sided electrical contacts 70 are mounted andalso from the end of the card edge connector 82 to where its internalcontacts are located, as shown in FIG. 6.

A significant feature of the present invention is that thetelecommunication assembly 10 is operable with one or more of theplurality of distinct backplane circuit boards 80 removed from theassembly 10. What's more, the back side 96 of each of the plurality ofdistinct backplane circuit boards 80 of the present invention isstepped, staggering at least one of the plurality of first connectorsfor easy access by an operator. This is best shown in FIGS. 6 and 8.

The plurality of BNC jacks 84 coupled to the back side 96 of thedistinct backplane circuit boards 80 are mounted to the bounding edge 94of the each of the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards 80.This mounting is preferably accomplished by two legs 30 extending fromeach BNC jack 84 and “pinching” the PCB by friction fit or beingsoldered to grounding pads on the backplane circuit board. A centerconductor 38 press fits against a landing pad on one side of the circuitboard. Shown in FIG. 10 is the circuit diagram for the backplane circuitboards 80, coupling the card edge connector 82 to the BNC jacks 84.

As is best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, each of the plurality of distinctbackplane circuit boards 80 are secured in parallel with one of theplurality of modules 100 when inserted into one of the slots 28. Thisallows for a maximum number of distinct backplane circuit boards 80 andassociated modules 100 to be installed in a fixed space in the assembly.In addition, the edge mounted BNC jacks 84, instead of being boardmounted, allow for the backplane circuit boards 80 to be no thicker thanthe diameter of the BNC jacks 84 further allowing for a maximum numberof distinct backplane circuit boards 80 and associated modules 100 to beinstalled in a fixed space in the assembly 10.

At least one notch 86 is formed in the bounding edge 94 of each of theplurality of distinct backplane circuit boards 80, as shown in FIGS. 1,4, and 6. A plurality of tines 42, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 7, and 11,are coupled to the telecommunication assembly 10 with at least one ofthe plurality of tines 42 partially extending into the at least onenotch 86 at such an angle that the tine 42 asserts little resistance asthe backplane circuit board 80 is inserted into the assembly 10 andgreat resistance when the backplane circuit board 80 is removed from theassembly 10. In operation of the present invention, a screwdriver orextended implement is used to force the tine 42 from the notch 86 whenthe backplane circuit board 80 is removed from the assembly 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, a leaf spring member 40 of the present invention hasa plurality of apertures 44 for attaching the leaf spring member 40 tothe assembly 10. The plurality of tines 42 are integrally formed on theleaf spring member 40. In the preferred embodiment, one leaf springmember 40 is attached to the lower half of the assembly 10 and anotherto the upper half of the assembly 10 such that a tine 42 extends into anupper and lower notch 86 in each of the backplane circuit boards 80.

A pair of guide ridges 34 are attached to the telecommunication assembly10 for guiding the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards 80when installed in, and removed from, the telecommunication assembly 10.The guide ridges 34 are preferably half-circle in shape, constructed ofplastic or hard metal, and preferably there are two sets of guide ridges34 for each backplane circuit board 80 with each set disposed on eitherside of the circuit board 80. As is best shown in FIG. 11, a pluralityof metal or hard plastic stops 32 are disposed on the telecommunicationassembly 10 against which the bounding edge 94 of each of the pluralityof distinct backplane circuit boards 80 abuts. The plurality of stops 32work most effectively when each of the distinct backplane circuit boards80 are inserted into the front of the assembly, slid between the guideridges 34, and subsequently abut the given stop 32. The guide ridges 34and stop 32 are also preferably integrally formed with the assembly 10.

As mentioned above, the distinct PCBs 80 are slidably received inparallel to each other in the telecommunication assembly 10 and centeredto be in a parallel plane with an associated DSX module 100. Preferably,a plurality of BNC jacks 84 are mounted on each PCB 80 and protrudeoutward in stair-step fashion thereby allowing easy coupling to thenetwork equipment. The PCBs 80 are individually removable. This isdesirable to the operator because they do not need to fully load thetelecommunication assembly 10 with PCBs until telecommunication networkgrowth requires such.

Referring now with particularity to FIGS. 4, 6, and 13, the individualPCBs 80 are shown that individually and in the aggregate form thebackplane of the telecommunication assembly 10. As stated previously,only one PCB 80 is needed for the telecommunication assembly 10 to beoperational. Moreover, the present invention also provides a module-lessfeature such that the telecommunication assembly 10 is enabled tocross-connect two separate devices of networking equipment to each otherwithout any of the modules 100 being installed in the assembly 10.

FIG. 13 shows two devices of networking equipment 130, 140, such as arouter and a multiplexer, being cross-connected via a single backplanecircuit board 80. It is understood that the two devices of networkingequipment could be any devices capable of communicating with each othervia electrical signals and that are commonly used in telephone coppernetworks. To perform the function of cross-connecting the networkingequipment 130,140, the In port on the first piece of networkingequipment 130 is coupled to the X-OUT port on the backplane circuitboard 80, which, in turn, is connected to the OUT port that is alsocontained on the backplane circuit board 80. Finally, the OUT port ofthe circuit board 80 is coupled to the Out port of the second piece ofnetworking equipment 140.

In addition, the In port of the second piece of networking equipment 140is coupled to the IN port of the backplane circuit board, which, inturn, is connected via the circuit board 80 to the X-IN port and finallyto the Out port of the first piece of networking equipment 130. Thecircuit diagram coupling the ports on the PCB 80 is also shown in FIG.10. Such cross-connecting occurs without the need of a module 100 beingdisposed in the telecommunication assembly 10 or connected via the cardedge connector 82 to the PCB 80. This function yields added versatilityand greatly reduces costs over prior telecommunication assemblies.

Although the invention has been described in detail above, it isexpressly understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled in therelevant art that the invention may be modified without departing fromthe spirit of the invention. Various changes of form, design, orarrangement may be made to the invention without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the above mentioneddescription is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and thetrue scope of the invention is that defined in the following claims.

1. A telecommunication assembly disposed to receive a plurality ofmodules therein, the telecommunication assembly for coupling to atelecommunication network and comprising: a plurality of distinctbackplanes secured in the telecommunications assembly each for couplingto one of the plurality of modules, each of the plurality of distinctbackplanes including: a back side, a plurality of first connectorscoupled to the back side for receiving a telecommunication signal fromthe telecommunication network, a front side coupled to the back side,and a second connector mounted on the front side and spaced apart fromthe at least one jack, the second connector for coupling to one of theplurality of modules, wherein the second connector is a normally closedconnector such that a circuit is formed and operable between theplurality of first connectors without a module being connected to thesecond connector.
 2. The telecommunication assembly of claim 1 whereinthe plurality of distinct backplanes are releasably secured within thetelecommunication assembly.
 3. The telecommunication assembly of claim 1and further wherein the telecommunication assembly is operable with oneor more of the plurality of distinct backplanes removed from theassembly.
 4. A telecommunication assembly disposed to receive aplurality of modules therein, the telecommunication assembly forcoupling to a telecommunication network and comprising: a plurality ofdistinct backplanes secured in the telecommunications assembly each forcoupling to one of the plurality of modules, each of the plurality ofdistinct backplanes including: a back side; a plurality of firstconnectors coupled to the back side for receiving a telecommunicationsignal from the telecommunication network; a front side coupled to theback side; a second connector mounted on the front side and spaced apartfrom the at least one jack, the second connector for coupling to one ofthe plurality of modules, wherein the second connector is a normallyclosed connector such that a circuit is formed and operable between theplurality of first connectors without a module being connected to thesecond connector; and further wherein the second connector is disposedto make an electrical connection to the module before the circuitbetween the plurality of first connectors is broken.
 5. Thetelecommunication assembly of claim 4 wherein the plurality of distinctbackplanes are releasably secured within the telecommunication assembly.6. The telecommunication assembly of claim 4 and further wherein thetelecommunication assembly is operable with one or more of the pluralityof distinct backplanes removed from the assembly.